A man accused of strangling his wife to death after they shared a cuddle in bed told police he did not intend to kill her but could not stop himself. Michael Davies, 57, is currently standing trial at Newport Crown Court for the murder of his wife, Tracey Davies, 48.
Details of the Incident
Tracey Davies' body was discovered at a property on Bryn Terrace, Cefn Cribwr, near Bridgend on April 18, 2025. Davies was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder. He has admitted killing his wife by strangulation but denies murder, pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to mental health struggles.
Police Interviews
During his first three police interviews, Davies replied with no comment answers. However, in his fourth interview, he admitted killing Ms Davies by strangling her and then stabbing himself. He told officers that she had returned from the toilet and they shared a cuddle in bed before he found himself on his knees, with his knees on her shoulders, squeezing her neck with his hands.
Davies said: "I just wanted to keep strangling her. I didn't blame her for nothing and I didn't want to hurt her but I didn't have the control to stop what I was doing. I couldn't believe my hands were doing what they were doing. I knew it was wrong and the woman I loved but I couldn't stop myself. I wanted to stop but I didn't have the control to stop. I didn't get up that morning and plan to do anything like that."
Intention and Aftermath
When asked whether he had intended to kill his wife, he replied, "not at all." Davies said his mind was so broken he did not know what his intention was. After strangling his wife, he said he had taken more than 40 tablets, including tramadol and paracetamol. He then took a kitchen knife from downstairs and said he had "an overwhelming feeling" to put the knife in him. "I just wanted to be gone," he said.
Trial Updates
Subscribers can read live updates from the trial at Newport Crown Court. Tracey Davies' sister remembered her as being "the life and soul of the party."
